Overview & Reviews

Nissan was born in Japan, and like other marques from its homeland, the brand is known for crafting vehicles that place an emphasis on quality and reliability. The company's roster of products is broad, and includes sporty coupes, family sedans, minivans, trucks and SUVs.

The automaker got its start in 1933 as the Jidosha Seico Co., Ltd. The following year, this outfit merged with another Japanese manufacturer, and the new company was christened Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. Nissan initially marketed its vehicles under the Datsun brand, with the first Datsuns being built in 1934. Postwar, the brand made its presence felt worldwide, building a partnership with the U.K.-based Austin Motor Co. and establishing a presence in the United States. The first Datsuns hit American shores in 1958. Vehicles like the Datsun 1000 were based on Austin platforms.

The '60s witnessed Nissan's merger with Prince Motor Company, a union that helped the Asian manufacturer create more luxury-focused vehicles. In the U.S. it began offering its first vehicle styled for the U.S. market, the Datsun 510 sedan. By the end of the decade, Datsun had exported more than 1 million vehicles. Datsun rose to prominence in the 1970s on the popularity of its 240Z sports car. Powered by an inline six-cylinder engine, the car was coveted for its blend of style, performance and affordability. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker's cumulative vehicle exports had surpassed the 10 million mark.

In 1981, Nissan shelved the Datsun name and began selling vehicles worldwide under the Nissan moniker. The '80s also saw Nissan's launch of a tuning division called Nismo for the development of performance-oriented vehicles and accessories. Nissan also brought its production to American shores, with the construction of a Georgia-based plant.

The early '90s saw Nissan's fortunes rise in the U.S. thanks to fun-to-drive cars like the 300ZX, Maxima and Sentra. But this trend didn't last long and by the late '90s Nissan's offerings consisted of anonymous vehicles. The company's future was uncertain.

After the turn of the new century Nissan bounced back, helped by a 1999 alliance with Renault that boosted the company's finances. Its redesigned Sentra and Altima boosted sales and consumer interest, as did new models like the 350Z sports car, Armada SUV and Titan pickup. Today the manufacturer is known for offering a wide range of well-regarded vehicles, including the popular Murano SUV, the incredible GT-R supercar and the all-electric Leaf.

User Reviews:

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  Driven - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By RASTA - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Has plenty of kick, good on gas too. More room than previous models. Anything you can think of as an option...most of them STANDARD! Great car and fantastic track record...Nissan got it right this time!

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  Max is the best!!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By gionniebird - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This car can handle pot holes, sharp turns, wet pavement!!! The sounds system is awesome! Mines is black w/tint on the windows.

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  Why I own a TITAN - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By David P James - May 31 - 9:46 am

  What really impressed me is the rear doors that open all the way to the back to the bed. Nissan seemed to have thought of everything to make this truck a big seller. I believe you have. Chevy and Ford, the quality just isnt there anymore, so I went with NISSAN the quality, the way it rides, the roominess inside, the exterior, this company couldnt have done anything better.

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  reliable, comfortable and good looking - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Sam Dab - May 30 - 7:00 pm

  I bought my 2014 Altima s , and since then no problems what so ever it drives smooth, its comfortable and very reliable , I added an off market 8" navigation system with back up camera , it cost $270 and $99 installation at best buy and bought fog lights also off market for $65 both from EBay, all this made it more luxurious and much more fun. Best car for value, gas mileage and reliability .

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  Three month later - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Al - May 29 - 12:33 pm

  Rogue gives lots standard safety including VDS, TCS let alone ABS and curtain supplemental air bags. Enough cargo space for the family errands like shopping, travel and small household items (vacuum cleaner, etc). Having safety and utility above and beyond its price tag it gives sporty look and comfort ride. Noise level is low by any standards. Three months later I am as much happy as on the day one.

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  Z the rockect - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By riverone - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This car rocks! Expensive BMW owners turn heads! The motor is powerful and the fuel economy is awesome. Love the exhaust note. Go Nissan engineers!.

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  Love my Versa - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Love my Versa - May 29 - 10:00 am

  First time ever buying a car and a new driver. I love the way my versa rides. It is comfortable. I can see everything around me and I only have to fill my tank I also look good in it. Good Job Nissan!

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  Vice versa - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By Versa lover - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I recently wrote a review on my purple disaster of a chevy equinox and not long after It gave out completely at 40,759 miles. So I finally got it started and drove it to clay cooley nissan in duncanville Texas and I absolutely fell in love with this versa! Its huge inside! It absolutely blew my mind how large it was and the gas mileage is unbelievable! I love everything right down to the little meep horn! Its practical, affordable, the insurance is cheap and its easy on the pump as well as the eyes, legs, and back. However this is not the car for speed, the sentra has way more power but it can hold its own, bottom line, perfect car for me

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  Fun to Drive! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Alison - May 28 - 9:00 pm

  I loved the styling and performance of my 2005 Altima. Nissan didnt needed to make that many changes. Some how they managed to improve on perfection. The new styling is better than any car on the road, luxury cars included! The car handles well and is fun to drive. The car comes loaded with standard features, including side airbags.

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  car is great! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By yeah - May 28 - 6:46 am

  this car is fun to drive, fuel mileage is pretty good, lots of power, handling is near perfection. inside is luxurious, seats are comfy, gauges are great.. i love it